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Tag: Basketmouth

  • Bovi clarifies relationship with Basketmouth

    Bovi clarifies relationship with Basketmouth

    Comedian and actor Bovi has clarified his relationship with fellow comedian Basketmouth, saying there is no bad blood between them but that their paths have naturally diverged due to evolving interests.

    In an interview, Bovi explained that his focus on family and career growth has pushed him to explore new creative outlets, particularly in the film industry.

    He added that his tendency to get bored with routine has fueled his drive to try new things, build his personal brand, and establish himself as a standalone force in comedy.

    He said, “I’m cool with Basketmouth, nothing happened. I’ve answered this question before.

    “You get what I’m saying. Interests changed, especially for me. You know, I wanted to focus more, spend more time with my family.

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    “I wanted to also elevate myself. I easily get bored with things. So when I’m doing something for too long, I try to do something else”.

    Bovi also shared his thoughts on financial independence, mentioning that he wants to capitalise on his own success rather than sharing profits with others.

    He used the analogy of filling up a hotel to illustrate his point, stating that he can reap the benefits of his own endeavors without needing to collaborate with others.

    According to Bovi, this shift in focus has allowed him to grow both professionally and financially.

    “You know, so as you know, I started to do films. I went back to TV, and then I wanted to build my own brand in the sense that I needed people. I needed the world to know that I can stand with the mic endlessly by myself and talk. You know, also, there’s the, I also started to think of stuff like when I blow the whistle and say, I’m having an Eko hotel, it fills up. So why should I go and share money? Why should we be many doing one show? And then I guess I can keep all the money myself”, he added.

  • Why I don’t want to get involved in 2baba, Annie’s divorce drama – Basketmouth

    Why I don’t want to get involved in 2baba, Annie’s divorce drama – Basketmouth

    Stand-up comedian Basketmouth has explained why he had chosen to remain silent on 2baba’s and Annie’s divorce issue.

    The comedian, who faced public scrutiny during his own divorce in 2022, stated that he didn’t want to get involved in the conversation. 

    “I’m not in any position to get involved, because I’m not qualified at all,” he said.

    Basketmouth also joked that he didn’t want to be reminded of his own past experiences. 

    “Make I no go talk the one wey go make people remember my own, con dey drag my head,” he said.

    Read Also: I’m going into movies, music full-time in 2025, says Basketmouth 

    The comedian concluded by saying that he’s aiming for an “undraggable year” in 2025 and asked people not to push him into commenting further on the issue.

    “I have been receiving lots of emails and DMs from people asking me why I don’t want to get involved in Tuface and Annie’s matters? I have known 2Face for 27 years and I met Annie 24 years ago.

    “First of all, I’m not in any position to get involved, because I’m not qualified at all. Make I no go talk the one wey go make people remember my own, con dey drag my head.

    “This new year 2025, wey we just enter, I’m just trying to have undraggable year. Please, don’t push me”, he said.

  • FILMIC reacts to Basketmouth’s claims of Netflix fund misappropriation

    FILMIC reacts to Basketmouth’s claims of Netflix fund misappropriation

    A Nollywood advocacy group, FILMIC has reacted to Basketmouth’s claims of misappropriation of Netflix funds by beneficiaries.

    This comes weeks after Basketmouth, producer of ‘A Ghetto Love Story,’ sparked widespread concern within the Nigerian creative industry.

    In a TV interview, the 46-year-old actor cum comedian alleged that most Nigerian producers divert substantial portions of the budgets allocated for streaming platform-funded films to personal luxury.

    In his words, “When the streaming platforms came in, they provided significant funding to producers. But these producers would take the $1.5 million or whatever they’re given and use about 10 per cent to make the movie. The rest? Houses, cars, and personal expenses. I can’t call names, but they know themselves.”

    Reacting to the claims, FILMIC in a statement signed by Charles Novia, Segun Arinze, Emem Ema, Efe Omorogbe, Rogers Ofime, and Evelyn Otaigbe, noted that Basketmouth’s statement is not only unsubstantiated but also potentially damaging to the reputation of the industry as a whole.

    “As a collective of practitioners and industry stakeholders, FILMIC feels compelled to issue a rebuttal to this statement. A thorough examination of the available evidence reveals no credible support for these claims,” the statement reads in part.

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    Continuing, FILMIC noted, “Despite rumors and speculation, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that Netflix has experienced significant issues with production budget mismanagement in Nigeria.

    “Furthermore, FILMIC is unaware of any formal complaints or sanctions levied against Netflix commissioned production companies in Nigeria. In light of these findings, it is essential to disregard these statements as unfounded and potentially misleading.

    “The Nigerian creative industry, particularly Nollywood, has made significant strides in recent years, earning recognition and accolades both domestically and internationally.

    “The vast majority of Nollywood producers have demonstrated a commitment to producing high-quality films that showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage.

    “As an industry advocacy organization, FILMIC is dedicated to promoting the growth and development of the Nigerian creative industry. Our primary objective is to provide strategic guidance and support towards the development of a robust and progressive creative industry ecosystem. With a formidable membership strength representing various strata of the Creative Industry, we are committed to the positive growth of Nigeria’s creative industry.”

  • I’m going into movies, music full-time in 2025, says Basketmouth 

    I’m going into movies, music full-time in 2025, says Basketmouth 

    Stand-up comedian Basketmouth has revealed plans to shift his focus to music and filmmaking in 2025.

    In a recent interview with Pulse, the comedian stated that he intends to take music more seriously, releasing EPs and collaborating with other artists.

    Basketmouth also expressed his desire to transition into filmmaking full-time, citing it as his first love.

    The comedian revealed that he initially pursued a career in music before turning to comedy.

    Basketmouth said, “I’m going to take music more seriously in 2025. I want to create EPs because there are some artists I want to work with.

    Read Also: Some producers siphon funds from streaming platforms – Basketmouth

    “I want to go into music and movies full-time. To be honest, movies are my first choice. I prioritise movies over comedy. It has always been like that it’s just that I haven’t made the movie yet.

    “I started with music but I saw that it wasn’t going to work. I have always been funny since primary school but music was just a talent I felt I could use as a plaything. Rap was my thing but after a while, I realised that it wasn’t going the way I want. Then I tried comedy, it was even by fluke. I was like, ‘this one is working. It must be the one”.

    According to him, his entry into comedy was accidental, but he quickly found success after overcoming initial challenges.

    “When I entered comedy, the beginning was turbulent but immediately I hacked it, my career skyrocketed”, he said.

  • Some producers siphon funds from streaming platforms – Basketmouth

    Some producers siphon funds from streaming platforms – Basketmouth

    Stand-up comedian Basketmouth has accused Nollywood producers of misusing funds provided by streaming platforms.

    He claimed that producers take a significant portion of the budget for personal gain, rather than using it for film production.

    According to Basketmouth, producers would receive $1.5 million or more from streaming platforms but only use about 10% of that amount to make the movie.

    Read Also: Basketmouth: I’ve sacrificed private gigs, MC for my art

    He also alleged that producers pressure actors to return part of their earnings, even when streaming platforms pay them directly.

    In an interview with Arise TV, Basketmouth said: ‘’There was a lot of money in the movie industry when these streaming platforms came in.

    “They gave money to these producers. These producers will take the money, $1.5million or whatever they gave them, they would use about 10% of that money to make the movie. They are listening! They cannot deny it. I cannot call names but you know yourselves.”

  • Collaboration is a new competition – Basketmouth

    Collaboration is a new competition – Basketmouth

    Stand-up comedian and filmmaker Basketmouth has shared his experience trying to collaborate with Nollywood star Funke Akindele for his movie, “A Ghetto Love Story”. 

    In an interview with Arise TV, Basketmouth revealed that Funke Akindele was his first choice as a mentor for the project.

    Despite an initial enthusiastic conversation in August, she reportedly stopped responding to his calls and messages. 

    Assuming she might have been occupied with her own projects, Basketmouth shifted gears and approached industry heavyweight Mo Abudu, who immediately embraced the opportunity to assist with the film. 

    Read Also: Basketmouth: I’ve sacrificed private gigs, MC for my art

    Reflecting on the experience, Basketmouth emphasized the importance of collaboration among Nigerian filmmakers for the industry’s growth and success. 

    He said: “With collaborations with filmmakers, it was dramatic. When I started calling all these like Mo Abudu and the rest of them, you know, I had a plan. I was going to start with Funke Akindele, and just run it all through.

    “But when I called Funke, she was excited and that was in August, and then the next thing, she never picked up my calls again. But she was making a movie, maybe she was busy, or her phone was on silent, or maybe the phone got spoilt. But yeah, I hope she picks up or responds to my messages.

    “I’ve sent over like 25 messages or whatever, but she didn’t respond. So I had to change the whole plan and re-strategize. I had to go to Mo, this and that, but the rest of them came through.

    ‘I called Mo and normally she doesn’t do stuff like that, but she jumped on it. Sooner or later, I believe that filmmakers in Nigeria will get to understand that collaboration is the new competition”.

  • Basketmouth: I’ve sacrificed private gigs, MC for my art

    Basketmouth: I’ve sacrificed private gigs, MC for my art

    Popular Nigerian music star Bright Okpocha, aka Basketmouth, has revealed that he has sacrificed performing at private gigs for his art.

    He made this known in a chat during the premiere of his first feature film, ‘A Ghetto Love Story.’

    The film producer, actor, comedian, and singer revealed that he wanted to stop adulterating his art, hence, the decision to stop offering MC services.

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    He said, “Comedy remains constant but the only thing I have stopped is private gigs like weddings and that but it’s the sacrifice I had to make because I do standup comedy.”

    Continuing, he said, “I didn’t enter the industry to be an MC of a wedding and all that so I felt like I was adulterating the art, so I had to stop. So, if I am doing a private gig that means I have to be doing comedy, not MC, say I come, do my 30mins and I bounce but not as an MC, that will mean me cheating on the art. I am losing a lot of money but for now, it’s not about the money but about the art.”

  • Alibaba, Basketmouth have no reason to compete with me – Seyi Law

    Alibaba, Basketmouth have no reason to compete with me – Seyi Law

    Stand-up comedian Seyi Law has stated that he doesn’t see competition in the comedy industry, particularly with veterans like Alibaba, Julius Agwu, Basketmouth and AY.

    In a recent interview on Hip TV’s “Trending,” Seyi Law discussed his relationships with industry icons, including Alibaba, Julius Agwu, Basketmouth, and AY.

    Considering them as benefactors, he expressed his respect and gratitude to them and also acknowledged their support and contributions to his career.

    He said: “At some point in the comedy industry, there was no rift and there wasn’t any reason to start categorising the comedians,” he said.

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    “I have played with everybody and I still respect everybody. We respect the likes of Alibaba. At some point, I had to go on a comedy tour with Julius Agwu who didn’t discriminate against me. I’ve covered events for Basketmouth. He has paid me for shows. I’ve also worked with AY.

    “And as a Yoruba person, we don’t disrespect anybody who has given us food. So, they are all highly respected. I respect them a lot. And no matter the differences they have, they’re still my senior colleagues in the business. And they have not had reasons to compete with me. So anywhere you place me on the ranking is okay by me. I don’t want to be one of those people who is dragging ranking with anybody in the industry. As long as we are all doing fine, kudos. The most important thing is that we must not allow the industry to suffer.”

  • Basketmouth urges colleagues to stop begging for money on stage

    Basketmouth urges colleagues to stop begging for money on stage

    Popular Nigerian comedian Basketmouth has urged younger comedians to refrain from soliciting money while performing on stage.

    In a candid moment during a recent podcast appearance, the comedian expressed his frustration with the growing trend, which he believes diminishes the art of stand-up comedy.

    “All these new guys coming up, if you can stop begging for money on stage, that will do us good. Just go on stage and perform. Crack a joke and get out. I’m pissed off with how you guys have watered down the art,” Basketmouth said.

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    He emphasised the importance of maintaining professionalism during performances, adding that comedians should focus on delivering their material instead of engaging in the culture of hailing the audience in the hope of receiving money.

    “Just go on stage and perform. Why are you hailing people and asking them to spray you money? If you want to beg, go to the streets,” he continued.

    Basketmouth also shared a personal experience that further fueled his annoyance. “I was performing somewhere recently and someone started spraying me with money. I was pissed!” he revealed, clearly irritated by the incident.

  • Stop begging for money on stage, Basketmouth slams colleagues

    Stop begging for money on stage, Basketmouth slams colleagues

    Stand-up comedian, actor and filmmaker Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basketmouth, has expressed frustration with the begging habits of some colleagues in the entertainment industry.

    During an interview on the CreativiTea Live with Linda podcast, Basketmouth questioned the sanity of those who engage in begging, stating that it undermines the value of their craft.

    He recalled a personal experience where he felt embarrassed when someone sprayed him with money on stage.

    Basketmouth emphasised the importance of collaboration between established and younger talents, highlighting the benefits of knowledge sharing and growth.

    Read Also: Reactions as Basketmouth, AY Makun settle longstanding feud

    He encouraged his peers to work with younger generations, citing his own willingness to share his platform and learn from them.

    Basketmouth shared his challenging experience with securing funding for his upcoming movie, ‘A Ghetto Love Story’.

    According to him, two sponsors pulled out, leaving him devastated but he managed to raise N300 million within 12 hours.